Celebrating Our Healthy Child Healthy Workplace Award – What It Means for Your Child

We are thrilled to share some exciting news; Downside Pre-School has been awarded the Healthy Child Healthy Workforce Award! This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to creating a preschool environment where health and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.

As parents, you want the best for your child, and we understand that healthy habits start early. That’s why we focus not only on education but also on nurturing physical and mental wellbeing from a young age. This award, presented by Central Bedfordshire Council, acknowledges the steps we’ve taken to ensure that both children and staff thrive in a supportive, health conscious setting.

Over the next sections, we’ll share how this award benefits your child, what we’re doing to create a healthy learning environment, and how you can be part of this journey.

A Commitment to Health and WellBeing

At Downside Pre-School, we believe that a child’s early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to create a healthy, happy, and supportive environment where children can thrive.

The Healthy Child Healthy Workforce Award recognises our dedication to promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. This means we actively incorporate healthy habits into daily routines, ensuring that children develop the skills they need to grow into happy, resilient, and confident individuals.

From nutritious snacks to active play, everything we do is designed to help children build strong, healthy habits. But this award isn’t just about the children, it also acknowledges our commitment to staff wellbeing, ensuring that our team is supported in their own health so they can continue providing the best possible care for your little ones.

By prioritising health and wellbeing for both children and staff, we are creating a preschool environment where everyone can flourish.

How We Prioritise Children’s WellBeing

At Downside Pre-School, we take a whole child approach to wellbeing, ensuring that every aspect of a child’s health, physical, emotional, and social, is supported. We create a fun and engaging environment where children can develop healthy habits in a natural and age appropriate way. Through our daily routines, we support physical activity, emotional development and healthy eating, helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing.

Here’s how we promote wellbeing every day:

Encouraging Healthy Eating – We provide nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, to introduce children to different tastes and textures. Snack time is also a great opportunity to develop independence and social skills, as children learn to serve themselves and enjoy eating together.

Active Play & Movement – Physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development. We ensure that children have plenty of opportunities to move, whether through outdoor play, group activities, or movement-based learning. Running, jumping, dancing, and climbing all help to develop coordination and strength.

Supporting Emotional Well-Being – Mental health is just as important as physical health. Helping children understand and express their emotions is a key part of our approach. We regularly encourage them to identify and talk about their feelings, providing simple vocabulary and strategies to help them recognise and manage emotions. This builds confidence and supports positive social interactions with their peers.

By embedding these healthy habits into our preschool routines, we help children develop the skills they need to lead happy, healthy lives, both now and in the future.

The Benefits for Your Child

Receiving the Healthy Child Healthy Workplace Award is a proud achievement, but the most important thing is how it directly benefits your child. By focusing on health and wellbeing, we create an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Here’s how our approach benefits your child:

Improved Physical Health – Regular movement and active play help children develop coordination, strength, and confidence, making them more physically capable and ready for new challenges.

Better Learning Outcomes – A child who is active and emotionally supported is more engaged, focused, and ready to learn. By fostering healthy habits early, we support strong cognitive and social development.

Developing Positive Habits for Life – The experiences children have in their early years shape their future choices. By introducing them to healthy eating, active play, and emotional expression, we help lay the groundwork for a lifetime of wellbeing.

Our goal is to ensure that every child feels happy, safe, and supported, giving them the best possible start for their future.

How Our Preschool Stands Out

At Downside Pre-School, we are proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where all children feel supported and valued. Our approach to health and wellbeing is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our children, ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they deserve.

Here’s what makes our preschool unique:

Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) – We work with a higher than average number of children with SEND, providing them with the tools, strategies, and support they need to thrive. Our experienced team ensures that every child has the opportunity to develop at their own pace in a nurturing setting.

Helping Children Who Speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) – Nearly half of our intake includes children who speak English as an additional language. We use visual aids, gestures, and interactive activities to help children develop their communication skills in a fun and engaging way.

A Purpose-Built Preschool in a Supportive Community – Our setting, located next to St. Augustine’s School, provides a safe, well equipped environment designed for early years learning. We serve families in an area with financial and educational challenges, making this award even more significant as we continue to provide high quality early education for all children.

By focusing on inclusivity, wellbeing, and early support, we are creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

A Healthier Workplace for Our Staff

The Healthy Child Healthy Workplace Award isn’t just about the children, it also recognises the importance of staff wellbeing. At Downside Pre-School, we know that a happy, healthy team plays a vital role in creating a positive learning environment for children.

Here’s how our focus on staff wellbeing benefits both our team and the children in our care:

Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle – Just as we promote active play and healthy habits for children, we also encourage our staff to prioritise their own wellbeing.

Boosting Staff Morale & Job Satisfaction – When staff feel supported in their health and wellbeing, they are more engaged and motivated. A happy team creates a warm, caring, and inspiring environment for the children.

Being Positive Role Models – Young children learn by example. By promoting wellbeing among our team, we set a strong example for our children, helping them develop positive attitudes toward health, self-care, and emotional resilience.

By investing in both our children’s and staff’s wellbeing, we are fostering a culture of care, respect, and lifelong healthy habits.

What This Means for You as Parents

As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s wellbeing, and we believe in working together as a partnership to support their growth. While we promote healthy habits at preschool, there are many ways you can reinforce these practices at home to help your child continue developing a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Encourage Active Play at Home – Give your child plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and explore. Whether it’s a trip to the park or dancing together at home, movement helps build strength, coordination and confidence.

Support Healthy Eating – Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nutritious snacks. Letting children explore different textures and flavours helps them develop a positive relationship with food.

Talk About Feelings – We help children recognise and express their emotions in preschool and you can continue these conversations at home. Encouraging your child to talk about their feelings builds confidence and emotional resilience.

By working together, we can create a supportive and health conscious environment for your child, both at preschool and at home.

Looking Ahead – Our Commitment to the Future

Receiving the Healthy Child Healthy Workplace Award is a fantastic achievement, but it’s just the beginning. At Downside Pre-School, we are committed to continuously improving our approach to health and wellbeing, ensuring that every child and staff member benefits from a nurturing and supportive environment.

Looking ahead, we will:

Continue to enhance our health initiatives, finding new and engaging ways to promote wellbeing for children and staff.

Work closely with families to support healthy habits at home, strengthening the connection between preschool and family life.

By maintaining this commitment, we aim to ensure that every child leaves our preschool with the skills, confidence, and healthy habits they need for a bright and happy future.